Irresistible Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe in 30 Minutes

When I think of Shrimp Pesto Pasta, my senses ignite with the smell of fresh basil, the vibrant green of the pesto sauce, and the juicy pop of succulent shrimp. Picture a plate filled with perfectly al dente pasta, a luscious coat of bright green pesto glistening under the kitchen lights, and shrimp that dance with flavor. lemon herb chicken recipe best homemade spaghetti sauce Each bite bursts with an explosion of herbaceous goodness and hints of garlic, making it hard to resist going back for seconds—or thirds! crispy chili beef.

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This dish is like a culinary hug from Italy on a busy weeknight. I remember the first time I made Shrimp Pesto Pasta; it was during a chaotic dinner party where everyone was starving and I was frantically trying to impress my friends. avocado mango salsa The moment they took their first bites, their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning. This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends, promising an unforgettable flavor experience.

I’ll never forget when my best friend declared this dish “the best thing since sliced bread” after just one forkful.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Shrimp: Use large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor; they cook quickly and soak up all the deliciousness.

• Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta—linguine works well—but feel free to experiment with gluten-free options too.

• Fresh Basil: Look for vibrant green leaves; they should smell fragrant and sweet for optimal flavor.

• Pine Nuts: Toast them lightly for added depth; these little gems bring crunch and richness to your pesto.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they infuse the sauce with that irresistible aroma we all love.

• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese for maximum creaminess; it elevates your pesto like nothing else.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides richness; it’s crucial for blending all those beautiful flavors together.

• Lemon Juice: Just a splash brightens everything up; think of it as the cheerful friend in your pasta dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper; sauté until they turn pink and opaque, around 3-4 minutes per side.

Prepare the Pesto Sauce: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped before streaming in olive oil until smooth.

Toss Everything Together: Drain your cooked pasta but reserve some pasta water. In the skillet with shrimp, add pasta along with prepared pesto sauce. Toss gently to combine everything thoroughly. For more inspiration, check out this sausage kale pasta recipe.

Add Finishing Touches: If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach desired creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—a pinch more salt or cheese might do wonders!

Serve immediately while everything’s warm—garnish with extra Parmesan or basil if feeling fancy!

Enjoy every delightful bite of this Shrimp Pesto Pasta as you revel in its comforting embrace! For more inspiration, check out this shrimp and broccoli pasta recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta until al dente while sautéing shrimp in garlic and olive oil. Combine them with the pesto sauce for a harmonious blend.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the shrimp for chicken or add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain freshness.

Sharing this dish at a dinner party led to rave reviews from friends who couldn’t get enough! Their delighted reactions made all the effort worth it.

FAQ

What can I use instead of shrimp for this recipe?

You can replace shrimp with chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

How do I make homemade pesto?

Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth.

Can I freeze shrimp pesto pasta?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just store it in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

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Shrimp Pesto Pasta

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• Author: recipesnew
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with vibrant pesto sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a delightful culinary experience for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. Each bite bursts with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan, making it both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Impress your guests or treat yourself to this comforting dish that brings the essence of Italian cuisine right to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, deveined
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta by boiling in salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving some pasta water.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (3-4 minutes per side).
3. In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and lemon juice until finely chopped. Gradually add olive oil until smooth.
4. Combine cooked pasta with shrimp and pesto in the skillet. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water for desired creaminess.
5. Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan or basil.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: For added depth of flavor, lightly toast the pine nuts before blending into the pesto. You can substitute shrimp with chicken or add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist.